All Schools Will Remain Closed Tomorrow Because of Storm Ophelia

Sharron Lynskey

The Department of Education has confirmed that all schools will remain closed tomorrow.

It'll mean they'll shut their doors for the second day in a row, after the announcement on Sunday evening that they'll close for today.

It comes as Storm Ophelia continues to batter the country.

According to the Education Minister, Richard Bruton, the decision came following a meeting of the government's National Emergency Coordination Group.

Following careful consideration by the National Emergency Coordination Group, the Department of Education and Skills, has decided that all schools will remain closed tomorrow

— Richard Bruton (@RichardbrutonTD)

This decision was primarily taken in the interests of child safety and on the basis of information available in what is a developing situation

— Richard Bruton (@RichardbrutonTD)

The Minister has added that he acknowledges some schools won't have as bad an impact as others, but some authorities won't have the chance to check their school buildings until tomorrow morning.

While it is recognised that some schools may not be as badly impacted as others, the information available at this time indicates that over 350,000 businesses & homes already without power, severe winds continue to cause damage across the country as the storm progresses.

— Richard Bruton (@RichardbrutonTD)

It is also the case that school authorities will in very many cases not have had an opportunity to check their buildings and confirm they are safe, have power and water, and that routes to the school are safely open

— Richard Bruton (@RichardbrutonTD)

Minister Bruton also confirmed the decision was taken in the interests of safety.

It is recognised that the decision to close schools will have a major impact on families and on the workforce. However, this decision has been taken in the interests of safety for children and to provide clarity for everyone concerned